IN Construction Accident Lawyer

Your Indiana Construction Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana was saddened to hear of the death of Richard Warren, age 51, while repairing a machine used to crush cardboard boxes at Aunt Millie's Bakeriy in Fort Wayne Indiana on July 2, 2009. Apparently Mr. Warren came into contact with electrical wiring which led to his death. IOSHA investigates all work-related deaths in Indiana, and is conducting an investigation. Here is a link to an article on this accident.

Your Indiana Construction Accident Lawyer has handled too many electricution construction accidents, all of which were preventable if OSHA rules on De-energizing power and following the lock out- tag out safety requirements. Here are a few tips from OSHA for preventing electrical injuries at Indiana Construction sites:

Electrical Safety

Electrical hazards can cause burns, shocks and electrocution (death).

Safety Tips

Assume that all overhead wires are energized at lethal voltages. Never assume that a wire is safe to touch even if it is down or appears to be insulated.
Never touch a fallen overhead power line. Call the electric utility company to report fallen electrical lines.
Stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from overhead wires during cleanup and other activities. If working at heights or handling long objects, survey the area before starting work for the presence of overhead wires.
If an overhead wire falls across your vehicle while you are driving, stay inside the vehicle and continue to drive away from the line. If the engine stalls, do not leave your vehicle. Warn people not to touch the vehicle or the wire. Call or ask someone to call the local electric utility company and emergency services.
Never operate electrical equipment while you are standing in water.
Never repair electrical cords or equipment unless qualified and authorized.
Have a qualified electrician inspect electrical equipment that has gotten wet before energizing it.
If working in damp locations, inspect electric cords and equipment to ensure that they are in good condition and free of defects, and use a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Always use caution when working near electricity.

For more complete information:

Occupational
Safety and Health
Administration

U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA

If you or a loved one have been injured on the job, I will try to help. Our Indiana Construction Accident Law firm is located in Indianapolis, but helps families in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Terre Haute, Richmond and Evansville Indiana. We represent injured construction workers including Iron workers, electricians, masons and other skilled trades in trench collapse accidents, scaffold accidents, falls, lift accidents and equipment failures. Our hearts go out to Mr. warren and his family. Have a SAFE fourth of July. John